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The differences between biological scientists and postdoctoral associates can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a biological scientist has an average salary of $67,631, which is higher than the $54,350 average annual salary of a postdoctoral associate.
The top three skills for a biological scientist include data analysis, cell culture and RNA. The most important skills for a postdoctoral associate are patients, TIP, and data analysis.
| Biological Scientist | Postdoctoral Associate | |
| Yearly salary | $67,631 | $54,350 |
| Hourly rate | $32.51 | $26.13 |
| Growth rate | 17% | 17% |
| Number of jobs | 51,327 | 18,093 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 68% | Doctoral Degree, 47% |
| Average age | 40 | 41 |
| Years of experience | - | 4 |
A biological scientist's duties will vary depending on one's industry of employment. Typically, they are responsible for studying and conducting research and analysis on living organisms, collaborating with fellow scientists, traveling to different areas, and keeping an accurate record of all observations, results, and processes. They must also prepare reports and presentations, reviewing them to ensure accuracy in every detail. Furthermore, a biological scientist may work in a laboratory setting or conduct lectures at an academic institution.
A postdoctoral associate is responsible for researching to support scientific claims and theories by collecting evidence and information to answer scientific questions. Postdoctoral associates must have excellent communication skills, both oral and written, to interact with people and document investigation findings. They also utilize laboratory tools and equipment for scientific researches, conduct field investigations, and interview participants. A postdoctoral associate designs comprehensive research models to discuss results with the panel and the team efficiently and accurately.
Biological scientists and postdoctoral associates have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Biological Scientist | Postdoctoral Associate | |
| Average salary | $67,631 | $54,350 |
| Salary range | Between $42,000 And $107,000 | Between $39,000 And $74,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | Berkeley, CA |
| Highest paying state | Hawaii | Maine |
| Best paying company | Schrödinger | Argonne National Laboratory |
| Best paying industry | Pharmaceutical | Education |
There are a few differences between a biological scientist and a postdoctoral associate in terms of educational background:
| Biological Scientist | Postdoctoral Associate | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 68% | Doctoral Degree, 47% |
| Most common major | Biology | Chemistry |
| Most common college | Cornell University | Duke University |
Here are the differences between biological scientists' and postdoctoral associates' demographics:
| Biological Scientist | Postdoctoral Associate | |
| Average age | 40 | 41 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 46.1% Female, 53.9% | Male, 63.2% Female, 36.8% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 3.0% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 8.5% Asian, 15.3% White, 67.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6% | Black or African American, 5.7% Unknown, 3.9% Hispanic or Latino, 8.8% Asian, 39.4% White, 42.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1% |
| LGBT Percentage | 10% | 8% |